Change Happens After All: Legal Reform in Light of 58 '08 Campaign
April 2nd 2008 03:08
Category: No Category
I mentioned the 58 '08 campaign in my post on the Mardi Gras (click here to read) - the premise is very simple. The Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby identified 58 laws which deny non-heterosexuals the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts. Whether it be in areas of superannuation, the rights to visit your partner in hospital when things go wrong or other mistreatments of the GLBTI community, these laws have never been acceptable and we have waited too long for change.
I must admit I didn't think that the campaign would attract as much attention as it needed to make a difference - I preferred not to get my hopes up, even as I signed the petition (click here to do so - it's not too late) and added my own personal message to the one already provided.
Imagine my surprise, jubilance and gratefulness to get a letter from the Attorney-General's office thanking me for my email and assuring me that something would be done. It was implied that all the recommended changes would be made, and not only where the 58 laws were concerned, for it now appears, thanks to further research, that there are over 100 laws that discriminate against the GLBT community. This independent study was mentioned by the letter, which went on to say that discussions with the appropriate ministers would be impending so that the recommended changes (dare I say it, reforms) would be implemented.
So now all we need to do is wait a while to see these laws eradicated and replaced with ones that make more gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and intersex people feel at peace with themselves and the world. No doubt a lot of people who identify as heterosexual will also welcome these laws, especially if they are friends or family of peole affected.
The more opportunities for equality that we are exposed to, the more acceptance of self and love of others we can expect. What's next? Same-sex marriage, of course!
When do you think it will happen? It's already legal in Spain, The Netherlands and Canada, so Australia can't be too far behind, in my opinion. I'm going to give it 10 years at this point.
What about you? How long do you think it will take for non-heterosexual marriage to become legal in Australia? What about in America?
I must admit I didn't think that the campaign would attract as much attention as it needed to make a difference - I preferred not to get my hopes up, even as I signed the petition (click here to do so - it's not too late) and added my own personal message to the one already provided.
Imagine my surprise, jubilance and gratefulness to get a letter from the Attorney-General's office thanking me for my email and assuring me that something would be done. It was implied that all the recommended changes would be made, and not only where the 58 laws were concerned, for it now appears, thanks to further research, that there are over 100 laws that discriminate against the GLBT community. This independent study was mentioned by the letter, which went on to say that discussions with the appropriate ministers would be impending so that the recommended changes (dare I say it, reforms) would be implemented.
So now all we need to do is wait a while to see these laws eradicated and replaced with ones that make more gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and intersex people feel at peace with themselves and the world. No doubt a lot of people who identify as heterosexual will also welcome these laws, especially if they are friends or family of peole affected.
Let's celebrate each other, young or old
The more opportunities for equality that we are exposed to, the more acceptance of self and love of others we can expect. What's next? Same-sex marriage, of course!
When do you think it will happen? It's already legal in Spain, The Netherlands and Canada, so Australia can't be too far behind, in my opinion. I'm going to give it 10 years at this point.
What about you? How long do you think it will take for non-heterosexual marriage to become legal in Australia? What about in America?
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Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Hopefully once younger policitician begin moving into federal politics we'll see a change???? I hope so anyway.
I'd certainly like to be wrong and see gay marriage become legal here in Australia sooner rather than later.
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
Thanks for your thoughts... I do believe I'll see it happen in my lifetime, and since I'm not particularly nationalistic I'm thrilled with Spain, The Netherlands and Canada... I hear South Africa's laws are really progressive as well, which surprised me. I think we're making good progress around the globe, and although much more needs to be done, I'm strictly focusing on the good!